The hosts needed a stoppage-time equalizer from Marouane Fellaini to secure a draw against Paul Lambert’s struggling side at Goodison Park.

Defender Heitinga had a tough afternoon against Christian Benteke, who scored twice, and the Netherlands international was ultimately substituted on 65 minutes much to the delight of a section of the home support.

"I don't know who it was [directed at], it's fine. I'd rather they directed it at myself if that's the case, but we'll keep going and keep trying to get those victories," he told reporters. "We tried really hard and played really well today and we kept knocking on the door. They were a threat on the break, and we knew that."

Moyes also defended his substitutions, which do not go down well with the home crowd, insisting the changes were all with the intention of salvaging at least a point.

"I think they're not happy with my decisions. I think they were the same at Bolton as well, not happy with my decisions," he added. "But, that happens. It happened against Bolton in the cup, then West Brom and Aston Villa. If you'd have given me three points in these games I might've taken them, but when you get into the position we were in you have to try and win.

"When we had three each in the last few minutes I think we had two chances to make it 4-3. We were a bit unlucky there.”

The Scot also praised the Villa attack after watching the visitors open the scoring in the second minute before adding two more in a much-improved display.

"Well, anyone who thinks [Christian] Benteke, [Charles] N'Zogbia and [Gabriel] Agbonlahor can't cause you problems has got it wrong. They've got really good attacking players with speed, power, pace," he added. "You've got to be ready for that. We were ready, but we just did not deal with it very well.

"I thought we played well except for the opening five minutes. We didn’t defend well throughout, but when we were behind the players kept going."